Inventory Manager at Kilombero Sugar

The successful individual will be responsible for optimal onsite Inventory stock holding from both a financial and operational perspective, Inventory Operations Management and Stakeholder management.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Drives and is responsible for Working Capital Management by optimizing Inventory holding through parameter management.
• Maintain accurate inventory levels that are data driven & customer centric.
• Manage the Inventory Operations team to ensure accurate and efficient receiving/receipting/issuing of stock; and strong customer support in terms of timing and product availability (In accordance with SLA)
• Manage the Verification team to ensure weekly stock counts is managed and completed in accordance with FCFQ and related % Error KPIs. Investigate discrepancies accordingly.
• Manage finalization of the stock counting process and ensure stock adjustments are carried out timeously.
• Delegate daily workflow and manage Expeditors to ensure expediting of outstanding orders through engagement with buying team, suppliers and requisitioners to meet promised delivery dates.
• Provide guidance on prioritizing orders based on business needs and supplier evaluation to maintain OTIF targets.
• Partner with the business to implement and drive compliance to Inventory policies, strategies, processes and guidelines​.
• Supports continuous stakeholder engagement in supply and demand planning across all business functions (i.e. Off Crop, Capex projects, Packaging, Fertilizers, etc.). This includes effective delivery on agreed demand plans.
• Lead, manage and develop capability in the local Inventory teams.​
• Use analytical data and insights to partner with various stakeholders in optimizing stock holding, forecasting demand & delivering on category supply plans.
• Coordinates the ordering of Inventory items linked to demand forecasts (aligned to production and maintenance planning) for the operation.
• Uses Qlik dashboards to drive and achieve Inventory KPIs Ensure compliance to standardized
• Inventory management policies, strategy, processes, and guidelines, considering customer requirements.
• Ensure compliance to the FCFQ is achieved through rigorous engagement with group and internal audit (this includes maintaining relevance to current systems, policies & procedures)
• Manage the inbound logistics and customs clearance to ensure compliance to Country Regulations
• Ensure inbound clearances are obtained prior to consignment arrival at entry port (land, air and seaports)
• Manage the outbound customs declarations for temporary exports Repair and Return
• Ensure accurate application of Customs tariffs to inbound declarations and allocation of SADC/COMESA certification to avoid h high er import duties.
• Manage the Revenue Authority audits in terms of Inbound clearances, if applicable.
• Ensure Import/Export permits are applied for and available to avoid shipment delays.
• Initiate the sourcing of Forex Cover for foreign Purchases aligned to Company Policy
• Appointment and Contract Management of the 3rd Party Logistics providers (Bonded Warehouses, Clearing Agents, Freight Forwarders)

Job Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Commerce, Engineering, or Related
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Procurement, Purchasing, Inventory or Supply Chain Management
• Demonstrated understanding of stores management and inventory management systems and processes
• Demonstrable track record in managing teams.
• Registration with Professional Board (PSPTB) preferred.
• Experience using ERP systems, preferably SAP.